- Make a decision to have a well rested child (if you have plenty to entertain them in the car) or a worn out child that will sleep through most of the car ride. You know what works for you and your child on this method.
- Comforts – bring a few things that comfort your child at home. Blankies, stuffed animal or for older kids – cell phone or electronic device is comforting. You know yourself what works wonders – if it fits in the car – TAKE IT! for some, the sun is too much to bare - screen on the window or sunglasses if old enough. Sunblock to prevent sunburns while walking around.
- Snacks and Drinks – Get those bottles, tippy cups, water bottles and pop bottles in a nice little cooler and ready to grab as soon as your child needs one. Snacks that are easy and not too messy – if you have a food tray for the car – helps reduce the mess scattering. Crackers, little sandwiches, trail bars or cereal bars.
- Help them stay Clean – take wet wipes or wet wash cloth in zip lock baggie. Take a tray for food and/or drawing on later. Reuse your plastic shopping bag as a trash holder for the car. Keep it close to your child.
- Play – In between sales, your child may want to color, play a game, play with toys or something fun for them. You don’t have to take a whole box of crayons, just take a few or use the Markers that don’t allow mess anywhere else but on the paper that comes with it. Hot wheels are a great toy for boys and some girls too. Dolls that they can do something things with. Look at travel games in the book stores and see if one suites your child. Take a few books. Their favorite music in the car is nice too. Some have TV in the car, take their favorite movie videos to run while you travel.
- Communicate and Involve Them – its easy for us to get caught up with a friend in conversation or looking at the stuff and forget to talk and give that needed attention to a child. Involve them as much as you can so they don’t wine because they feel ignored. Give them a little money so they have some buying power too.
- Rules – Give them the rules prior to going. Cover no fits or tantrums. We can have everything we see. The things you will see belong to the people unless we buy it. Stay close to mom or dad and look both ways before we cross any streets, hold hands. Let mom know when a restroom break is needed. Be nice to people and don’t put your mouth on any toys – icky!
easy cheese straws from http://www.finger-food-recipes.com/easy-cheese-straws.htmlLinks to some coloring pages - find some print outs.
from activityVillage.co.uk